£15,000 donated to Somerset charity that supports bereaved children
The money was raised by recycling metals from a Bath crematorium
Last updated 22nd Feb 2022
£15,000, which was raised by recycling metals from a crematorium in Bath, has been donated to a Somerset charity that helps bereaved children.
The metals were reclaimed from Haycombe Crematorium, by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).
Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council, which is an ICCM member, subsequently collected the metal from the cremators. The local authority then recycled the items, with the proceeds being donated to Josephine’s Star.
The charity provides support services to children and young adults who are suffering after the loss of a loved one.
'Support young people as they come to terms with their loss'
Leif Tarry, founder of Josephine’s Star, has thanked the Council for its donation, saying the funds will go a long way in providing bereavement support across Somerset.
"The money we’ve received will enable us to support more children by recruiting and training more volunteers and providing them with resources to support young people as they come to terms with their loss," he added.
The charity is the latest to benefit from the not-for-profit Recycling of Metals initiative from ICCM.
BANES Council participates in the scheme by collecting common metallic items from cremators, such as medical pins, metal plates and artificial joints.
The funds raised from recycling are then divided by the ICCM, before being distributed among charities. To qualify for donations, organisations must assist the bereaved, or those who are terminally ill.
'Losing a loved one at a young age can be incredibly traumatic'
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture, announced this was the largest donation from the recycling of metals to date.
"Losing a loved one at a young age can be an incredibly traumatic experience and have a long-lasting impact on mental wellbeing.
"The professional individually tailored support provided by the volunteers from Josephine’s Star can make a huge difference to those who are struggling having lost someone special," he added.